Black Pepper (Piper nigrum; Piperaceae)

-Energetic: Pungent/Heating

Ayurvedic energy: Kapha and Vata – decreasing / Pitta – increasing

Actions: Stimulant, Expectorant, Carminative, Febrifuge, Anthelmintic.

Indications: Chronic indigestion, Toxins in colon, Degenerated metabolism, Obesity, Sinus congestion, Fever, Intermittent fever, Cold extremities (circulation)

Black pepper is one of the most powerful digestive stimulants.  It burns up Ama (toxins) and cleanses the alimentary canal, which energize Agni (digestive fire) to destroy toxins and undigested food.  Black pepper can be taken nasally as medicated Ghee (clarified butter) to relieve sinus congestion, headaches, and even epileptic seizures.  It is a good antidote to cold food like cucumbers and for excessive intake of raw food and salads.  Used externally, it helps ripen boils and promote suppuration. Prepared in Ghee, it heals inflamed surfaces, such as in urticaria and erysipelas.  With honey, it is a powerful expectorant and mucus-cleanser, drying up secretions.  If used excessively, black pepper can act as an irritant as its quality is Rajasic (Hot).   

– The Yoga of Herbs (second revised) by Dr. Vasant Lad and Dr. David Frawley